Published February 22, 2017
A New Leader
Wittenberg is celebrating the selection of Dr. Michael Frandsen, vice president for finance and administration at Oberlin College, as the university’s 15th president. Unanimously selected by the Board of Directors, Frandsen is “an outstanding leader in higher education and a passionate advocate for the liberal arts who exemplifies our mission,” said the Rev. Jonathan Eilert, board chair and chair of the presidential search committee.
Finest Facility
Join us at 2 p.m. on March 24 as we break ground for the Health, Wellness and Athletics Complex and celebrate the first phase of construction on a project that will create one of the finest facilities in NCAA Division III. The ceremony will be held at 250 Bill Edwards Dr., behind the HPER Center.
Stand-Outs
Without any prior knowledge of the competition or the topics to be debated, Wittenberg archaeology students spontaneously entered the Ethics Bowl at a national conference, going face-to-face with graduate students. The results? A second-place finish, an unexpected cash prize and letters to Wittenberg’s administration praising the students’ impressive performance.
Writers For Life
For nearly 40 years, the Writing Center has been an integral part of Wittenberg, connecting writers and readers in collaborative endeavors to produce the best possible writing. Led by an award-winning director, the Center has also cultivated undergraduate research in its writing advisors.
Going Glacial
Sarah Fortner, assistant professor of geology and environmental science, recently evaluated glacier melt chemistry in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica as part of a long-term ecological research program. The team’s work is important to understanding the impact on humans who use melt water as a water source.
Alumni in the News / #LifeAfterWitt
Third-grade teacher Tiffany Tynes Curry ’00 isn’t just teaching math to her students; she’s creating mathematicians. And her success in developing her students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills has earned her the prestigious Milken Educator Award – called the “Oscars of Teaching” – and a $25,000 cash prize.
The new Pratt Center at Cleveland State University, launched with a $1 million gift from Barbara and Frank Sullivan, is named in honor of Charleyse Smith Pratt '71, director of CSU’s award-winning Sullivan-Deckard Scholars Opportunity Program. The center will expand higher-ed opportunities for youth who have aged out of foster care.
I Heart Witt
More than 500 students, faculty and staff shared their love for Wittenberg on Valentine’s Day by writing thank-you notes to donors whose gifts have powerfully impacted their experience. The event raised philanthropic awareness and sparked an increase in faculty/staff giving.
Nominate An Alum
The Alumni Board is seeking nominations by April 1 for the 2017 Wittenberg Alumni Awards. The recognition program honors alumni for their outstanding service and/or accomplishments. Questions about the process, please contact Linda Beals '87 at lbeals@wittenberg.edu.